The Fallout

By Heartstarter

DISCLAIMER:
The characters of Zilandra and Aphrodite (the 2nd!) are the property of Heartstarter.
The characters of Xena, Gabrielle, Ephiny, Melosa, Eponin, Magdelus, Iolaus
and Hercules remain the property of MCA/Renaissance Pictures and Studios USA.
No copyright infringement is intended and this is a non-profit story.

PLEASE
NOTE: This story is the 5th in a series of 5 the stories before are
called Hard To Say Goodbye; The Weekend Visitor; That Scroll and Wasted Moments.

WARNING:
This story is written a little differently to the others, sometimes it sees
the story from an outsider's point of view and sometimes its through the
eyes of our beloved bard. There is foul language, rather shocking moments, and
multiple love sessions (explicit sex scenes) between women (everyones
getting a bit!). Kinky? Sometimes but always fun! If you dont want
to read about this sort of stuff, or for some reason its illegal where
you live, then you should boycott this story. For everyone else: enjoy! All
comments and suggestions are welcome and I promise Ill write back! Write
to Heartstarter at: ripley@corplink.com.au

CHAPTER
1:

Late one night

Xena unrolls her
bedroll, shakes it out and places it by the fire. She looks around suddenly,
her eyes trying to seek out the cause of the noise which caught her attention.
It wasnt a loud noise, but it was a noise. How does she know Im
here? I ponder silently. I havent moved from this spot in ten minutes,
yet she seems to be able to sense my presence. I thought shed already
be there by now. Maybe she doesnt want to go there. Well I hope she feels
bad about the fight. It was just as much her fault as it was mine. She should
know that if I dont want to do something then she cant make me,
I mean I trust her judgement all the time why doesnt she trust mine?
Oh well Im sure there will be plenty of time to say that to her later.
I just hope she doesnt come looking for the owner of the noise she thinks
she hears. Gods, Ill be in so much trouble then. I stay as still as I
can as Xena settles down in her bed and closes her eyes. I cant believe
I caught up with her this soon, its not like I even expected to see her,
I thought Id be days behind her, give her time to see that I was right,
that she does need me with her, not stuck at that stupid Academy

Sometime
later, I move to the other side of Xena and her camp. I am careful not to make
a sound and manage to get myself settled into a better hiding position just
as Xena wakes up. She looks around again, but still cant find the position
of the potential danger. She throws another log on the fire and settles down
to sleep again, pulling the blankets higher over her shoulders.

I settle
back against the trunk of a huge tree. I pull my bedroll around myself. I cant
fall asleep, that would be disastrous. Ive stayed awake for the past 2
days, I cant slack off now, therell be plenty of time for sleep
later. If I can just follow her until she gets to the Amazon village then everything
will be alright. Theres no way shed make a scene there and its
not like I shouldnt be there, I am the Amazon Princess after all and if
I want to be there then I can. Xena cant get mad well she will,
but not in public I should be safe until she has a chance to take
me away privately then Ill be in for it but she should know
that Im not going to be left behind anymore. Ill show her that she
needs me with her in more ways than one! Stop it! Dont think about
sex, youll only get horny and when Xena catches up with you therell
be none of that for a long time maybe forever well not forever,
thats ages, but a long time anyway. Gotta figure out just what Ill
say to her she probably wont listen anyone, shell just be
so mad but at least if she goes all silent then I can talk all I want
and shell have to listen to me of course if she takes off Ill
be in trouble would she take off? Surely she wouldnt want to cause
talk among the Amazons, but does Xena really care about appearances? Oh well,
I guess the most I can do is sit here throughout the night and then follow her
tomorrow. I just cant get too close, she senses me now. How I wonder?
Maybe Ill ask her that I mean I cant seem to tell if shes
close by, can I? All this thinking is giving me a headache I wonder how
far we are from the Amazon village itll be good to see Ephiny and
Melosa and Eponin and everyone again, and they call me Princess, thats
so cool! Im sure theyll all notice how grown up I am since I last
saw them and they wont argue with me about going back to the Academy.
Nope, I should outnumber Xena a hundred to one here! Ha-ha!

Morning
time

Xena stretches,
she picks up her sword and runs through a couple of quick drills. She then throws
her chakram around the trees a couple of times, watching every move it makes.
When it reaches her, she catches it effortlessly. She holds it up to the sun
and looks hard at it, turning it around and running her hand over it. I dont
know what shes doing, maybe she thinks its breaking or something.
I hope not, then what would we do on those nights by the camp fire when theres
nothing to do? She usually throws it round and round the part of
the clearing were in, seeing how many different variations she can produce,
the best she got to at one place was 25! Anyway she douses her fire with
some water from her wine skin obviously it didnt have wine in it
or poof! The fire wouldve really come alive. She then rolls up her bedroll
and whistles for Argo, who comes trotting through a clearing practically right
next to me. She gives a small whinny, which sounds like a hello to me and I
almost say hello back, before remembering that Im supposed to be keeping
out of sight! When Argo gets to Xena, Xena says,

"Who
were you talking to back there, huh girl? You know theres just you and
me out here, dont you? No Gabrielle." Argo whinnies again. Xena
puts the saddle on and attaches her pack.

"I
know you miss her girl, I do too. But weve gotta let her do what she needs
to do, well see her again soon." Xena takes one last look around,
before getting up on Argo and riding out of the clearing. I stay in my hiding
position for about ten or twenty minutes after she leaves, just to make sure
she isnt coming back for anything. Finally I figure the coast is clear.
I step out of my spot and stretch, oh Gods, my bum is so numb and my back is
killing me I tell you, Ill be glad to get to the Amazon village,
even if Xena is mad with me, at least I can have a hot bath, a good rub down
and a real bed to sleep in!

CHAPTER 2:

"Oh Melosa
oh yes Im coming hold me my Queen oh Yes! Yes!
Yes!"

"Gods I love
it when you call out my name."

"I love it
when you fuck me."

"Youre
enjoying yourself then?"

"Yes
cant you tell?!"

"I just wanted
to hear you say it!" Melosa strokes Ephinys hair, they look at
each other and smile.

"Ready for
another round?" Melosa asks.

"Not just
yet, I want to catch my breath. But thanks." Ephiny pulls her knees
up so shes in a squatting position as Melosa extracts the dildo from deep
inside her. She places it beside them on the bed and rubs her hands up and down
Ephinys legs.

"Maybe we
shouldnt do this." Ephiny says.

"Why? I know
you enjoy it."

"Its
not that "

"Is it because
you were Terreis lover before she died? You know youre not committing
any act of incest here. She and I were sisters, not you and her."

"Its
not that, its just that most of the people Ive slept with are now
dead. And I dont want you to die."

"Im
not going to die, and anyway, its not your fault most of the women are
dead, we were at war with Krykus, wars kill people."

"That may
be so, but almost everyone who is still alive I havent slept with. Dont
you think thats a sign."

"No, I think
thats good luck just think, if you hadnt slept with them and
theyd died youd always wonder if youd missed out on anything,
wouldnt you?"

"I suppose
so."

"I know so.
How many of those who died do you think Ive slept with?"

"I dont
know. How many?"

"All of them."

"Bullshit!"

"Its
true. Its a Queens duty to sleep with all her tribe, once they are
of age. It gains respect. Of course not all of them knew they were sleeping
with the Queen, thats also a duty of the Queen."

"How could
they not know?"

"I got them
too drunk to know who or what they were doing."

"So why do
I get the privilege of knowing I fucked the Queen? Is it because you think I
fuck the best out of everyone youve done? Or is it because I was with
Terreis?"

"Its
not because of either of those things You see there there
comes a time in every Queens life, when she is getting towards the end
of her reign as Queen, like I am now "

"How do you
know youre near your end?"

"Well, Xena
defeated me in a challenge, yes its true she let me live and regain my
title while shes away, but the next one who raises a challenge may not
have that mercy. I may be killed and-"

"But Xenas
a freak! Shes an amazingly strong woman, normal people arent like
her, at least not anyone whos going to demand the royal challenge."

"You never
know Anyway the point is that there comes a time when a Queen must choose
a mate. Someone from her tribe. She makes that decision in the moments after
she finishes having sex with them. She then tells that Amazon some duties of
the Queen and then the Amazon will know shes been chosen."

"You mean
youre youre choosing me?" Ephiny asks, amazed.

"Yes. Ive
always wanted it to be you, I just didnt know if I could have you. You
and Terries seemed so happy that I didnt know if Id get the chance
to be with the one I wanted or if Id have to choose someone else."

"You couldve
had me, Id never deny my Queen anything."

"Thats
not the point. You have to want to be with me. Dont say yes because Im
your Queen. Say yes because you want to."

"Yes. Yes
Ill be your chosen one. I want to be with you." Ephiny and Melosa
kiss passionately. Ephiny disentangles herself and says,

"Well, if
Im going to be your chosen one, theres something I want to know.
Ive been thinking about this for a while now."

"What is it?"

"Well, when
Xena and Gabrielle were here, and Xena demanded the Royal Challenge you
said that if she lost theyd die, me too. Would you really have killed
me?"

"No."

"Are you sure
I mean Amazon tradition says "

"I could never
kill you Ephiny. I wouldve found a way around it."

"Youre
not just saying that?"

"No. I told
you, Ive felt strongly about you for a long time. Why would I kill someone
I love?"

"You love
me?"

"Yes."

"Oh
Well I love you too and Im not just saying that because youre
my Queen or because you said it first but because " Melosa puts
a finger up to Ephinys lips.

"Ephiny."
She says quietly.

"Yes?"

"No more talking."
Melosa leans in and kisses Ephiny. They start running their hands over each
other naked bodies, Ephiny pushes Melosa down onto her back and lays on
top of her, careful not to break the kiss

CHAPTER
3:

Xena
walks across the sparring square, towards Queen Melosas hut. She stops
about 20 metres away and watches Zilandra make herself comfortable on the far
side of the Queens dwelling.

"Is she spying?"
Xena wonders to herself. Zilandra turns and sees Xena, she smiles and waves,
then cautiously looks around. Xena does the same and when she turns back, Zilandra
is walking towards her.

"Xena! Its
good to see you again!" Zilandra says, she goes to hug Xena, but Xena
puts out her hand and they shake instead.

"What are
you doing?" Xena asks.

"Im
playing this game with some of the Amazons, its a tactics game or something.
One person has to close their eyes and count to twenty and everyone else has
to hide. Then the person who had their eyes closed has to find them. Pretty
neat, huh?"

"Slow down!
No shes not here, youd get along great and if she was yes you could
meet her."

"Wow, thatd
be great Listen Ive gotta go, I have to hide, but Ill see
you later, right? How long are you staying?"

"Dont
know yet, but I wont leave without saying goodbye."

"Okay. Bye."
Zilandra runs off back the way she came. Xena continues towards Melosas
hut

"I think
Im ready for another round my Queen, what about you?"

"Im
sure I could be convinced what did you have in mind?"

"Well I thought
Id " Just then there is a knock at the door. Melosa and Ephiny
look at each other in alarm. Without waiting for a response, Xena walks in.
Ephiny grabs the blankets and pulls them up over her breasts with one hand and
flings the dildo over the side of the bed with her other, averting her eyes
from Xenas. Melosa stands up and turns around, covering her bottom with
a pillow.

"I um
sorry I Ill wait outside till you get dressed." Xena
stammers, moving back through the doorway. She closes the door and shakes her
head. Over in the sparring square Zilandra and another Amazon are practising
with staffs.

"I thought
she was playing that game " Xena mutters. She shrugs her shoulders
and says,

"She mustve
got caught already." Xena watches her a couple of minutes longer, surprised
with the ferocity and depth of Zilandras fighting. The other Amazon goes
down, Zilandra throws down her weapon and walks away in disgust. Xena raises
her eyebrow as Melosa and Ephiny arrive beside her.

"Shes
certainly a wild one youve sent us." Ephiny says.

"What did
you do to her? She wasnt like this when she was with me." Xena
replies.

"No, she wasnt
like this the first two days she was here, but when Iolaus left she suddenly
took on this I hate the world, it owes me something attitude. And
she can fight, very well at that. I think shed put even you to the challenge
Xena." Ephiny says.

"I wouldnt
go that far." Melosa interjects.

"How are you
Xena?" They shake.

"Im
fine.. and you?"

"Keeping out
of war wheres Gabrielle?"

"Shes
studying at the Academy in Greece. At least I hope she is. She wants to leave,
I told her she had to stay. But I dont know, last night I got the strangest
feeling she was close by. Of course she couldnt be, I mean she wouldve
had to walk all the way here, thats non stop for seven days to catch up
to Argo and I, and even then shed be pushing it to catch up."

"Im
sure its just your imagination Xena. But if she is here, our girls will
find her. Ill send out a party now, just in case."

"Alright I
suppose. She fights well, Iolaus led us to believe she couldnt fight at
all."

"I didnt
know either but I saw her in the square and shes got some good moves."

"Yes. But
shes a loose cannon, shes unpredictable. That can be a bad thing
in a tribe. We work as a team, a concept Im not sure she completely understands."

"Hmm. Tell
me more "

Zilandra walks
towards Eponins hut

"I reckon
shed be great in bed!" Eponin says.

"Yeah, she
seems dangerous, yet somehow innocent." Magdelus agrees.

"Im
gonna ask her into the steam room, then put the moves on her."

"No way! I
said I liked her first!"

"Yeah, well
we both know youll never do anything."

"How would
you know?"

"Oh come on,
I mean I know youve got the hots for me and Ive given you plenty
of opportunities and youve never touched me " Zilandra walks
in.

"Girls, girls,
girls. Theres plenty of me to go around. Why dont we all go into
the steam room and have some fun?!" Zilandra says. Eponin and Magdelus
look at each other. Eponin says,

"Were
not supposed to do that. Its against the Amazon rules to do things with
more than one person at a time unless youve got permission from
the Queen."

"I do."
Zilandra says.

"Well
get our wraps." Eponin says, jumping up.

"Strip down
quickly. Ill meet you in the steam room." Zilandra says. She leaves
the hut with a self-satisfying grin on her face

A few minutes
later in the steam room

"So
is it just me, or is it hot in here? I think I might take my wrap off. That
alright with you two girls?"

"Uh-huh."
Eponin replies eagerly. She elbows Magdelus who just giggles and nods her
head. Zilandra unwinds the wrap slowly and throws it onto a peg on the back
of the steam room door. Her breasts jiggle slightly as she does this, Eponin
and Magdelus cant help staring at her. She feels their gazes so she starts
to run her hands over her body. She starts by running her hands through her
hair, she pulls it up into a loose bun and ties it. Then she runs her hands
over her breasts, down her stomach and over her thighs. She walks towards Eponin
and Magdelus, still touching herself. She starts to play with her right breast,
grabbing it and playing with the nipple. It becomes hard and her breathing becomes
a little faster. She is close enough to Eponin and Magdelus now that they could
touch her, they just sit on the seat watching her. She continues to play with
her nipple, then starts making the other one hard.

"You two wanna
play too?" She asks. They both nod. Zilandra takes one each of their
hands and places them on her breasts, they do as she did before, playing with
the nipple, making it hard. Zilandra moves closer and puts a hand on each of
their heads, running her hands through their hair.

"Harder."
She commands. Eponin and Magdelus obey, pinching her nipples between their
fingers.

"Eponin, come
and bite my nipple." Eponin takes her hand away. She puts her mouth
over the hard nipple and bites, softly at first, but then harder as Zilandra
pulls her head closer.

"Lose the
wraps, girls." Zilandra says. Eponin and Magdelus stop their ministrations
and take off their wraps. They let them drop to the floor and take their places
again. Zilandra lets them go for a couple of minutes before she says,

"Okay, now
to the good stuff Eponin, you lay on your back on that seat. Magdelus,
I want to see you eat her pussy."

"Oh!"
Magdelus looks shocked, but they both do what Zilandra says. Eponin lays
on the seats and looks at Zilandra, as Magdelus goes down on her. Magdelus opens
Eponins lips and licks up and down in long, full strokes. Then she licks
Eponins clit, Eponin writhes around under her, enjoying the sensations.
Zilandra looks on and starts to touch herself again, first she grabs her nipples,
hard this time, pulling them away from the breast. She continues this with her
left hand as her right moves down her body towards her clit. She starts rubbing
her clitoris and lips in the same long motions Magdelus was licking Eponin.

"Put your
tongue inside her." Zilandra says to Magdelus. Magdelus obeys, opening
Eponin up and then diving in with her outstretched tongue. Eponin lets out a
moan and grabs Magdelus head, pulling her in even further.

"Oh, so you
want something to grab do you?" Zilandra asks Eponin.

"Yes. Please."
Eponin manages to pant.

"Well then
get a hold of me." Zilandra says. She moves so she is over Eponins
face, she lowers herself onto Eponins straining tongue and puts Eponins
hands on her bottom. Eponin grabs on tight and brings Zilandra even further
into her mouth. She sucks all the juice off and moves her tongue about feverishly,
wanting to taste more. Magdelus keeps up her work on Eponins clit and
surrounding area, every few seconds poking her tongue in and out of Eponins
hole. Finally Eponin can stand it no more, she takes one hand from Zilandras
bottom and grabs Magdelus head, pulling it in hard to her clit. Magdelus
keeps flicking her tongue around as Eponin reaches the height of her orgasm.
She breaks contact with Zilandras wet area, who doesnt seem to mind.
Zilandra takes one of Magdelus hands and makes it rub her clitoris. Eponins
orgasm subsides and so she and Magdelus change positions, this time Eponin is
going down on Magdelus and Magdelus is helping Zilandra rub her clit. Magdelus
is already soaking wet when Eponin licks her, so she opens her up and sticks
her tongue deep in her. Magdelus moans and says,

"Zilandra,
I want to put my fingers inside you."

"Fill me up,
baby." Magdelus stops rubbing Zilandras clit and sticks two fingers
inside her. Zilandra continues to rub her own clitoris and moves up and down
on Magdelus fingers. All too soon both Magdelus and Zilandra are coming.
Eponin is feeling horny again so she says,

"I want to
come again, somebody fuck me."

"Only if you
make me come again." Replies Magdelus. So, Eponin drives her fingers
deep into Magdelus, as Zilandra stops rubbing her clit and puts two fingers
inside Eponin. Within moments, all three are moaning and writhing and generally
making a lot of noise and commotion inside the steam room. When their shudders
have passed they all lay on the seats, sweaty and exhausted.

"I dont
feel so good." Magdelus says.

"This heat
probably isnt helping." Eponin says.

"Why dont
we go back to my hut and cool down." Zilandra suggests. They all pick
up their wraps and leave the steam room

"So then
she says that she wants to leave the Academy." Xena says.

"What did
you say to her?" Melosa asks.

"Well, I of
course said no. I mean, she hasnt even been there a month, shes
not ready to leave yet."

"How did she
take that?" Ephiny asks.

"Well, thats
when the fight started " Xena replies. She then starts telling
Melosa and Ephiny all about the fight back at the Academy

"How are
you feeling now Magdelus?" Eponin asks. The three of them are back in
Zilandras hut.

"Better, I
think Ill lay down for a minute if thats all right."

"Sure, just
move those things off the bed." Zilandra says. Magdelus makes herself
comfortable as Zilandra and Eponin sit on a couple of chairs.

"So, tell
me about Princess Gabrielle have you met her? Will she be Queen one day?
How often does she visit?"

"Well, weve
only met her once, but she seems okay, a little young and innocent maybe "
Eponin says.

"And she doesnt
know Amazon ways and traditions." Magdelus puts in.

"Yeah, but
shes alright. Very level headed. Shell become Queen when Melosa
dies and she hasnt been back here since she became the Princess."

"Why not?
Shouldnt an Amazon Princess be with her tribe."

"Oh, well
shes not a real amazon, you see she tried to save an Amazons life
- her name was Terreis and it was Terreis dying wish that Gabrielle have
her rite of caste. She didnt even know what it was, but she said she would."

"But she hasnt
been brought up like the rest of us, maybe shes not into that."

"Oh shes
into it all right. She likes the strong warrior type." Zilandra replies.

"How do you
know that?"

"Because,
she does it with Xena!" Zilandra says.

"No way!"

"Yes way.
And Xena is totally gone on her."

"How do you
know that?"

"Well cause
I was travelling with Xena and every night before she went to bed shed
write in this scroll and tell Gabrielle what wed done and where wed
been that day."

"They could
be just friends."

"Nah, I stole
a look at it one night after Xena was asleep and I saw what she wrote
theyre definitely doing it! Pity."

"Why?"
Eponin asks.

"Because Im
gonna make Gabrielle mine so I guess Ill have to get Xena out of
the way to have her although I wouldnt mind a piece of that warrior
wrapped around me, I mean have you seen her thighs? You could get your head
crushed between those!"

"Yeah, wonder
how she manages not to squish Gabrielle!" Eponin says, all three of
them break up into laughter. The other two are still laughing hard when Zilandra
says,

"I can see
why Xena would be knocked out by Gabrielle, you know what I mean? I havent
seen her in person, but Xena keeps a sketch of her tucked away in her bag "
The other two stop laughing and look at her.

"You were
snooping around in the Warrior Princess personal belongings?" Eponin
asks, looking horrified, yet excited at the same time.

"She wouldve
killed you if she caught you." Magdelus puts in.

"I didnt
go looking for it, it fell out when I grabbed the scroll " Zilandra
whistles and continues, saying,

"What a hot
piece of pussy!" Eponin and Magdelus look from each other to Zilandra
in horror.

"Dont
say that about Gabrielle, shes our Amazon Princess. Every Amazon must
respect the royal line." Eponin says.

"Ill
respect her alright, when shes lapping at my pussy and begging for more!"
Zilandra starts to laugh again, expecting the other two to join her, but
they stay silent. She stops laughing and says,

"Hey
Gabrielle will be the queen one day and you know what I heard about Amazon Queens?
Correct me if Im wrong, but I heard that its a Queens
duty to sleep with all her Amazons whether they know its her or not."
Eponin stands up and slaps Zilandra, then she pulls the wrap tighter around
herself and says,

"Lets
get out of here Magdelus. We dont have to stay and listen to this filth."
Magdelus gets up off the bed, adjusting her own wrap. They get almost to
the door before Zilandra grabs Eponins arm and says,

"Youd
better not tell anyone about what I said, or Ill tell them about your
little indiscretions You know the rules."

"You said
you had permission." Eponin says.

"Yeah, well
I lied."

"You wouldnt
tell, you did it too." Magdelus says.

"Try me
the rules dont apply to me anyway, Im not an Amazon." Zilandra
replies. Eponin yanks her arm free and she and Magdelus run from the hut, casting
wary glances behind them

"I dont
think shes done anything with any of the girls, but I think some of them
wouldnt say no if she showed up at their door on a rainy night, if you
catch my drift." Melosa says. Xena stands and replies,

"Alright,
well Ill go and talk to her, see if I can get this straightened out. And
thanks for listening to the other stuff as well."

"Any time
Xena, you know were here for you." Melosa says.

"Thanks. Ill
talk to you later." Xena leaves Melosa and Ephiny. She walks towards
the hut Melosa said was Zilandras. As she gets closer, two women, one
whom Xena recognises as Eponin and another whose name escapes Xena for the moment
run from Zilandras hut, theyre casting wary glances over their shoulders
and dont seem to notice Xenas presence.

"Just my luck
today, every Amazon I see is naked, and none of them are my lover. Maybe I really
should knock but this lot are a bunch of "

"Its
alright. I havent got anything you havent seen before." Zilandra
says. She continues to stand in plain sight as Xena concentrates on the floor.

"Ill
wait outside." Xena says.

"No, its
alright, just give me a minute and Ill be dressed." Xena just
nods as Zilandra puts on her clothes. She tries to stand silently in the room,
but figures she may as well get on with what she came here for.

"So, you want
to tell me why I just saw Eponin and the other girl uh Magdelus
run from here, looking like theyd seen a Bacchae?"

"Well, I thought
I was just being one of the girls when I suggested that the three
of us bed down together later."

"You what!?"

"How was I
supposed to know Amazons arent allowed to do that? Im finished,
you can look now." Xena turns around, as Zilandra straightens her skirt.

"Alright,
I know how to fight whats the big deal? How do you think I managed
after my parents died? I learnt a few things along the way." Zilandra
confesses.

"Look, Zilandra.
You dont have to be somebody youre not here. Just be yourself. The
way youre acting, youre scaring people away."

"Alright.
Ill try. Thanks Xena."

"Youre
welcome. Now, how about some sparring practice I want to see if youre
as good as Ephiny says." Xena says.

"Sure."
Xena and Zilandra leave the hut.

CHAPTER
4:

"Ah
what a beautiful day. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, Im not
listening to boring old people talk about writing this is living
I must look wonderful in the sunshine! Actually, I probably dont, Ive
been travelling for days how many I wonder? Five? Six? My hair must look
a mess " I take out my brush and run it through my hair.

"Well, it
cant be that many days, I mean Xena hadnt even reached the Amazon
village when I caught up to her There, that feels better." I say,
putting my brush back into my bag.

"Wouldnt
want to look too untidy when I arrive it feels good to be back on Amazon
territory wonder if Ill meet any of the gang on the way, surely
someone I know will be patrolling Ephiny, Eponin and Centaurs! I
wonder if theyre here . Maybe Ill see Phantes or Tyldus. Maybe
theyll mistake me for a trespasser and try to kill me " I
stop in my tracks.

"No, no that
wouldnt happen. Would it?" I look from side to side, take a couple
of deep breaths, then start running, heading for what I hope is the track to
the Amazon village.

"Maybe I shouldnt
run. That might draw more attention to me and then they might think Im
some kind of animal and shoot me clean through the heart with an arrow "
I slow down to a quick walk.

"Gods, listen
to me, Im getting all irrational. Id better pull myself together
before I see Xena. Ive got to be strong and make my point." I
stop walking all together as the Amazon village suddenly spreads out before
my eyes.

"Ah! My Kingdom!"
I chuckle and shake my head.

"Well, one
day maybe, although not too soon I hope." I watch the tiny figures go
about their work for a few moments, before walking on further. I stop under
a large tree and put my bag down.

"I think Ill
wait until nightfall before I go in, Ill have a rest, get my rational
thoughts hat on and then find Xena and see everyone else of course.
I should probably give Xena time to settle in too, she must also be tired from
the journey. Dont want to meet up with an overtired, grumpy Xena!"
I sit down, resting my head against the truck of the tree, staring out over
the Amazon village.

Xena enters
Melosas hut.

"How was the
sparring practice?" Melosa asks.

"Oh, shes
alright I suppose, but shes no Ephiny." Melosa smiles at the comment
and nods.

"But you know,
thats one of the problems " Xena says.

"What? That
shes not as good as Ephiny yet? Well, what did you expect Xena, shes
only been here a week or two."

"No, I mean
the fact that shes any good at all."

"What do you
mean?"

"Well, when
I met her, we talked about where she was from and what happened to her parents,
stuff like that, but when I was speaking to her before, she said some things
that just dont match up with what she first told me."

"Like what?"
Melosa asks.

"Well, for
starters . The fighting aspect, previously she told me that she could cook
and sew, but couldnt hunt or fight. Now she tells me that shes pretty
good at fighting and tracking, and I gather shes killed before, because
she says she had to protect herself after her parents died which brings
me to another point, she told me that she was living with an aunt and uncle
after her parents died, but they died just a few weeks ago from fevers
now it sounds like there never were any relatives, she mustve been by
herself for years."

"How long
since her parents died?"

"Five years."

"That means
shes been on her own since she was twelve years old! Are you sure about
that Xena?"

"Im
not sure about anything, but shes acting very strange there are
a couple of people I want to speak to before we decide anything Ill
tell you as soon as I know."

"Alright.
Were having a feast tonight in honour of your arrival so dont be
at it too long. Anything you dont get done will have to wait until the
morning." Xenas stomach rumbles, she smiles at Melosa and says,

"Ill
be there and dont worry, Ill find out whats going on
and fix it. I promise you that."

"Oh, Id
bet money on it." Melosa says. Xena leaves the hut and goes in the direction
she saw Eponin and Magdelus go earlier. As she crosses the sparring square a
young Amazon cautiously approaches her.

"Excuse me,
Xena?"

"Yes."
Xena stops and faces the young girl, whom she tops by about a foot and a
half.

"Um
I was on patrol and I saw our Princess."

"Gabrielle?"

"Yes."

"Did you speak
to her?"

"No, as I
dont know her very well, I just watched and made sure she was safe."

"Where is
she now?" Xena asks.

"The last
I saw, she was resting under some trees just outside the village, the south
entrance. I told the patrol group who took over from us that she was there,
so theyre watching her."

"Why did she
stay under the tree instead of coming further?"

"I dont
know, but she looked tired."

"She didnt
see any of you?

"No."

"Alright,
thanks, Ill go and get her listen which one is Eponins
hut?"

"The last
one on the right, down there." The girl points to a row of huts.

"Thanks. Whats
your name?"

"Aphrodite."

"Like the
Goddess?" Xena asks incredulously. The young girls nods and blushes.

"My mother
called me that because she was madly in love with my father, and Aphrodite told
her he was the one she would have a child with."

"Okay."
Aphrodite walks away. Xena shakes her head and changes her direction in search
of Gabrielle.

"Hey, Princess."

"Aahh!"
I am startled awake. I turn around and see Xena with a mischievous grin on her
face and a twinkle in her eye.

"Dont
do that!" I say, standing up and brushing leaves from my skirt.

"What are
you doing here?"

"I can be,
Im an Amazon Princess " Xena raises her eyebrow at me. I
roll my eyes and say,

"Oh all right,
I was going to follow you until you got into trouble and then Id rescue
you and youd remember how useful I am to you."

"Well thats
very sweet of you, but what if youd got into trouble? How would I have
known to come and rescue you?"

"Me? Trouble?
Huh!"

"Like a moth
to a flame."

"Am not!"

"Do I need
to remind you Morpheus, Titans, Amazons Need I go on?"

"Hey missy,
Im not the only one who finds trouble, I mean in just about every village
we go to, someone hates you and wants to kill you and what about when
you left me and met Darius and got hit by that arrow, huh?" Xena holds
her hands up and says,

"You dont
get away with it that easily Princess, therell be a lot more talking later.
But right now, theres something I have to get sorted out." Curses,
nearly got away with it!

"What?"
I ask.

"The girl
I sent here - Zilandra is acting really strangely and I have to find out why."

"Now?"

"Unfortunately
yes, but you go and see Melosa and Ephiny, Im sure theyd love to
see you. Oh, and theres a feast tonight - on the account of my arrival,
I guess itll be a double celebration now!"

"Great, Im
starved! Ill keep the ale cold if you promise to be there soon."
I say as Xenas stomach rumbles.

"Oh I will,
dont worry." Xena picks up my bag and slings it over her shoulder.

"Ill
walk with you to the village, then youre on your own."

"Okay."
We walk in silence for a few minutes. What should I say to her? Should I
try and make a joke? Should I act like we never had that fight? Maybe if I just
take her hand. Yeah, thats a good idea. I slip my hand into Xenas,
she flinches.

"Sorry."
I mutter, taking my hand away.

"No, its
alright, I was miles away, you just startled me." I put my hand back
in hers and we continue towards the village.

"You know,
it is good to see you. Im sorry how things turned out back at the Academy."
Xena says.

"Me too."
I say.

"How did you
catch up to me so quickly?" Xena asks.

"I caught
a ride with a family from Athens right to where it becomes Amazon land, then
walked the rest of the way. I stumbled across your camp late yesterday and hid
until today, when I came the rest of the way. I thought youd already be
at the village."

"You were
near me last night?"

"Yes."

"I thought
I could feel you."

"I know, I
saw you looking around all the time, I was worried you were going to come out
and look for me."

"No. I was
too tired."

"Lucky I wasnt
a threat then."

"Very."
We get to the Amazon village, Xena takes my bag from her shoulder and hands
it to me.

"A word of
advice before I go always knock before going into a hut."

"Of course.
Why?"

"Ill
tell you later."

"Okay, well
you be careful."

"I will. Later."

"Bye."
Xena leaves and I make my way to Melosas hut. I knock on the door.

"Come."
Melosa says.

"Hello Melosa,
hello Ephiny."

"Gabrielle!
What a surprise. Come in." Melosa and Ephiny share a look as they make
their way over and hug me.

"Xena told
us you were studying at the Academy in Greece." Melosa says.

"I was, but
Ive left now."

"Oh. Not exciting
enough for you?" Ephiny says with a grin.

"Among other
things. Now, tell me what was that look you two gave each other when you
said it was a surprise to see me?" I reply.

"Nothing."
Ephiny says.

"What look?"
Melosa asks innocently.

"Come on,
you two. Spill it." I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Oh all right,
Xena told us she felt like you were near her last night." Melosa confesses.

"Wishful thinking,
I think was how she put it." Ephiny adds.

"Yes. So when
you arrived here, well it wasnt really a surprise. You know how intuitive
she is."

"Mmm. I knew
she sensed something last night, I had to be so careful."

"Shes
certainly something." Ephiny says.

"That she
is."

"Have you
seen her yet?"

"Yes, she
came and interrupted me from a very peaceful little nap I was having. Shes
gone to sort something out, something with that girl she sent here?"

"Theres
a spare hut in the far corner of the village, it belonged to Terreis and it
will be yours until such time as you become Queen, then you will live here."
Melosa says, sweeping her arm around the hut.

"Oh. Right...
Well I might go and put this stuff away and finish my sleep. Xena tells me youre
having a feast on tonight."

"We certainly
are. You must join us."

"I wouldnt
miss it." My stomach rumbles.

"Funny, thats
what Xenas stomach said!" Melosa says with a laugh.

"I know, Im
starved!"

"Well
let Xena know youre at the hut."

"Thanks. See
you later." I am almost out the door when Melosa says,

"Hey, what
happened to the eagles head on top of your staff? Isnt that the
one Ephiny gave you?" I gulp, turn around and manage to stammer:

"Ahh
yeah it it fell off in a fight and then I couldnt find it
again. Im really sorry Ephiny."

"Thats
okay, it used to bug me anyway!" Phew! I dont know what it is,
but everyone seems so relaxed here today, this is great! I turn and head for
our hut, nearly running into a young amazon.

"Sorry. My
fault." I say. The young woman looks at me, her eyes light up and she
hugs me saying,

"Oh come on,
just a quick little massage, I mean I bet your feet could do with a good rub,
and Im really good, just ask anyone."

"Oh all right,
but you cant stay very long, I really do want to go to sleep soon."

"Sure, no
problem. Never know, you might even fall asleep while Im working my magic."

"I doubt it,
but come on." We walk to the hut, Zilandra keeps her hand on my back
the whole way, even when I move away, her hand goes with me. She is sending
tingles up my spine - the bad ones though, not the good ones and I silently
pray that Xena finishes whatever it is thats so important and gets back
quickly. We get to the hut, I open the door and locate a couple of candles and
some striking stones. I light the candles, placing them both on the table in
the middle of the room and put my pack down. The light is minimal, Ill
have to remember to ask Melosa for a couple of extras although the sparse
light will go beautifully with Xenas tanned skin! Mmm what a lovely
thought, my lovers naked body in the candle light! I jump as hands are
suddenly placed on my hips. Theyre definitely not Xenas.

"What are
you doing?" I ask Zilandra, moving out of her reach. Her hands stay
firm.

"I thought
you were going to fall, you had a really weird, glazed look on your face."

"Oh. Well,
Im fine. Thanks." I move further away from her and she takes her
hands from my hips. I look towards the bed, its already made up, so I
sit on the edge and start undoing my boots. Zilandra comes over and says,

"Let me help
you with that."

"Its
okay."

"Just let
me help, itll be done twice as fast then."

"Fine."
Zilandra goes to work on my left boot, her hand seems to be hitting my leg
a little too often, so I hurry with the boot Im working on. This cannot
be happening, I think as icy fingers run up my spine again. The boots come off,
I stretch out my toes as Zilandra says,

"Lie down
and Ill get to work. Youre going to enjoy this, I promise."

"I think I
should just sit for the moment."

"No, trust
me, its so much better lying down."

"Well, alright,
if you think so."

"I know so."
I pull my skirt in tight around my legs, keeping my thighs mashed against
one another as I lay down. Where the hell is Xena?! I yell in my head. Well
shed better not try anything Zilandra sets to work on my feet Gods,
that does feel good. Oh yeah, well at least she gives good foot massages. I
feel so relaxed, so tired. But I wont fall asleep, just in case she tries
something I wont I

CHAPTER 5:

"You two
are going to be in a lot of trouble, you do realise that dont you?"
Xena says exasperatedly.

"But we didnt
do it on purpose! She said she had permission." Eponin cries.

"I know, I
know, but youll have to tell Melosa."

"Do we have
to? Cant this just be our little secret?" Magdelus pleads.

"Im
sorry, but I think we have to tell her. Theres something else going on
here that we need to expose. I promise Ill put in a good word for you,
and you know how fair Melosa is, youll get a fair hearing."

"Shes
gone to your hut, Terreis old place. She wants you to meet her there."

"Did she go
alone?"

"I presume
so, although she did talk to someone outside here just before she left."

"Who?"
Xena asks.

"Im
not sure, we were inside at the time." Melosa replies. Ephiny pipes
up saying,

"It could
have been Zilandra, I think shes the only one who hasnt met Gabrielle
and-"

"Take these
two inside, now! I have to find Gabrielle " Xena yells, she turns
to Eponin and Magdelus and says,

"Dont
tell her anything until I get back."

"Okay."
Eponin says. Xena turns back to Melosa and says,

"Go into your
hut with Ephiny and these two, dont let anyone else in, if Gabrielles
at the hut Ill be back with her."

"Whats
going on Xena?"

"I dont
have time to explain, just trust me!" Melosa and the others go back
inside the hut as Xena runs off.

Xena arrives
at the hut, the door is locked shut when she tries it. She bangs loudly and
calls out,

"Gabrielle!
Gabrielle!" There is no answer from inside. She steps back a pace from
the door and with all her strength she kicks it open. A large splinter of wood
is dislodged and the door swings wide. Gabrielle is laying on the bed, naked.
Xena runs to her. She shakes her

"Gabrielle?
Gabrielle, can you hear me?"

"Xena?"
I open my eyes to find Xena clutching at my shoulders.

"Xena, whats
wrong?" She pulls me in tight and hugs me until I can hardly breathe.

"I thought
you were dead!" She cries into my hair.

"Dead, why
would you think Xena Im naked." I struggle in her embrace
and look down at myself.

"Xena, I wasnt
naked when I fell asleep. Did you do this?"

"No."

"Then who
oh no, I dont believe it! Theres only one person who could have,
but surely she wouldnt but she must have."

"Who?!"
Xena yells.

"Well it must
have been Zilandra, she came here with me and said shed give me a massage "
Xenas eyes grow cold and angry.

"But it was
just a foot massage, I had only taken my boots off. Shes really strange
Xena, and she scared me. She kept touching me and saying things that made my
skin crawl."

"That little
bitch Ill kill her. I cant believe she would do this!"

"Calm down
Xena, she hasnt done anything that bad to me, I mean I know she didnt
have sex with me."

"Do you? How
can you be so sure? You were asleep."

"Xena, just
trust me, Id know okay?"

"Okay, Im
sorry." Xena kisses my head and hugs me tightly.

"Ah
Xena, I cant breathe."

"Sorry."
She says again.

"Its
alright. What are we going to do about her?"

"You get dressed
and go to Melosas hut. Ill meet you there soon."

"Xena, please
dont hurt her, we dont know it was her. Just bring her back and
well talk to her."

"Oh Ill
talk to her alright and " Xena stops mid sentence.

"What is it
Xena?"

"Did you lock
the door?"

"No. Why would
I do that, I knew you were going to be coming here when youd finished."

"Well the
door was locked when I got here. From the inside." I look around sharply
and grab some blanket to hide my body.

"You dont
think shes still here do you?" I whisper to Xena. She puts her
finger to her lips to silence me, then gets up off the bed. She picks up a candle
and takes it to every possible place a person could hide in the room. She doesnt
see anyone, and neither do I. Xena does a thorough sweep of the room and finds
nothing.

"How did she
do it? Or where is she?" Xena asks. I shrug. Xena sets the candle down
on the table again and comes back to the bed. She puts a hand on my shoulder
and says,

"Are you really
alright? Youre not just saying that she didnt force herself on you
when you were asleep just so I dont get mad are you?"

"No Im
not. I want you to find her Xena and teach her a lesson. She gives me the creeps,
you know on the way over here she kept her hand on my back all the way, even
when I moved away from her." I shiver at the memory.

"Ill
find her Gabrielle. Now get dressed, Ill walk you to Melosas hut,
then Im going to look for her."

"If you dont
find her straight away please come back, I dont want you to miss the feast."

"I wont
I promise." Xena kisses me and I stand up. I find my clothes neatly
folded on the chair. I put them on and pick up my bag. I reach in to find my
brush, but the contents of the bag have been rearranged. I take everything out
piece by piece, I find my brush at the bottom, but the piece of parchment with
the picture of Xena drawn on it is gone. I go back through the contents, which
are now on the table.

"What have
you lost?" Xena asks.

"My picture
of you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Xena
Im sure, Ive looked through here twice and its gone!"
Xena comes over to me and puts her arm over my shoulder, I lean into her
as a tear runs down my cheek. That was my favourite possession, Xena got it
done for me, and the one she keeps of me in her bag too.

"Its
alright, well find it. I promise well get it back." I just
nod and sniff.

"Put your
boots on and lets go." Xena says. She extinguishes the candles and we
walk to Melosas hut. Xena knocks on the door and says,

Melosa, Ephiny,
Eponin, Magdelus and I wait for what seems like an eternity. Finally Xena returns

"I cant
find her anywhere." Xena announces.

"Maybe shes
left the village." I say hopefully.

"I doubt it,
but theres nothing else we can do tonight. Well have to wait until
morning."

"That would
be wise, easier to see your attacker." Melosa says.

"Precisely."
Xena replies.

"Can you please
tell us whats going on now?" Ephiny asks.

"Yes. And
quickly, the feast will be starting soon." Melosa adds.

"Alright,
well as you know, I have found Zilandras attitude and behaviour to be
very different from when I left her a couple of weeks ago. There were things
she told me today, which were not consistent with things shed told me
on the journey here."

"What sort
of things?" Eponin asks.

"Things to
do with her background, what skills she had or didnt have. Anyway, its
irrelevant the main thing is that she lied to me then shes got an
ulterior motive for being here. Now, I didnt know that until this afternoon
when I spoke to Eponin and Magdelus Girls, would one of you please tell
everyone what Zilandra said and asked you today?"

"Okay, but
do we have to say everything?" Eponin asks, her face paling slightly.

"The circumstances
dont matter, well get to that later. Just tell them what she said."

"Okay
well, Magdelus and I were talking to Zilandra and she asked us about Gabrielle,
had we met you, what you were like, if you would one day be Queen, how often
you visit and stuff like that. We told her what we knew and said that you werent
brought up in an Amazon village, just that youd saved Terreis and she
gave you her rite of caste Then I said that I wondered if you like to
be with girls you know, like that " She looks hopefully at
me, I nod as the colour rises in my face and Xena raises her eyebrow at her.

"We werent
being disrespectful, I swear." Eponin adds quickly.

"Its
all right, keep going." I say. Eponin nods and continues.

"Well then
she said that you did like girls because you were with Xena "

"Congratulations,
by the way." Magdelus adds, standing and moving closer to Xena and I.
I take Xenas hand. Eponin elbows Magdelus, who takes her place beside
Eponin again.

"Anyway, we
asked her how she knows that and she said that she found a scroll Xena was writing
to Gabrielle when she travelled with her "

"You wrote
a scroll?" Ephiny asks, amused. Xena says nothing, I squeeze her hand
and smile as Eponin continues.

"Zilandra
then said that she was going to make Gabrielle hers. And then she got really
dirty and said how shed like to have sex with Xena, because of her strong
thighs and "

"Move on."
Xena says as Ephiny starts giggling. Eponin obeys.

"Then she
said that she saw a picture of Gabrielle in Xenas bag and said she was
beautiful and that she thinks Gabrielle is a hot piece of " Xena
interrupts, saying,

"Right.
So, she thought Gabrielle was lovely to look at and her comments got very crude
from there about what she wanted to do with Gabrielle and you slapped her because
she was being disrespectful, is that right Eponin?"

"Thats
right." Eponin agrees.

"Then
we left her hut." Magdelus adds.

"Yeah,
but on the way she told us not to say anything, or shed tell everyone
about the other stuff."

"What
other stuff?" Melosa asks.

"Well
get to that in a minute. Now, Zilandra met Gabrielle earlier and tried to come
onto her, then while she was sleeping she stole the picture Gabrielle has of
me from her bag."

"Why?"
Melosa asks.

"The
only reason I can think of is that she wants something for target practice."
Xena replies.

"Right."
Melosa says.

"Anyway,
as I said before, theres nothing more we can do tonight, shes probably
going to keep a fairly low profile for the time being, but we should be on the
lookout just in case."

"So,
whats this other stuff?" Melosa asks.

"Alright
Your turn this time Magdelus." Xena says. Magdelus gulps and looks guiltily
from Eponin to Melosa. Melosa raises her eyebrows in a look that says, "Well?"

"Well,
we were in Eponins hut talking about Zilandra, we thought
she was quite nice and "

"Okay,
I can see where youre going, you thought shed be great to screw
and " Melosa says, trying to hurry Magdelus.

"Well
she came in and said we should all go to the steam room together."

"And
did you go?" Melosa asks.

"Yes."

"And
what happened?"

"We
had sex with her."

"At
the same time?"

"Yes."

"A
threesome?"

"Yes."

"You
know that a threesome is against the Amazon rules, unless the Queen has given
you permission, dont you?"

"Yes."

"I
didnt give you permission."

"Zilandra
said she had your permission."

"But
after it was over, she told us she had lied, and that she didnt have your
permission." Eponin adds.

"The
permission has to be given to all three of the participants at the same time."
Melosa says.

"We
didnt know that, weve never done anything like this before."

"Thats
true, which is why I am so disappointed in you two."

"Dont
be too hard on them Melosa. I think Zilandra is very cunning." Xena
says.

"Thats
true. Alright. But I do have to punish you, you understand that?"

"We
understand." Eponin and Magdelus say together.

"Alright.
Well, I think that for your punishment, seeing as you like other people in on
your sexual acts, that you perform a sex routine during the feast tonight, right
after the main course. Make it a good show girls." Melosa says.

"Yes
Queen Melosa." They reply in unison.

"Alright,
you may go, the feast will start in one hour."

"Thank
you." Eponin says. Eponin and Magdelus leave the hut quietly.

"Melosa,
I need to speak to you outside please.

"Of
course." They leave the hut. Ephiny and I sit in silence, I cant
think of a single thing to say finally I cant stand it anymore.
I get up and sneak out the door, listening to Xena and Melosa.

"I
think she wants to be caught." Xena says.

"Why?"
Melosa asks.

"To
fight me, to beat me. To take my place and be with Gabrielle."

"But
if she kills you, then why would I want to be with her?" I interrupt.

"Gabrielle,
I thought you were inside."

"I
was, and now Im out here. Why does she think I would be with her if she
killed the one I love?"

"Because,
it would prove that shes better than me, stronger than me. That she could
protect you better." Xena replies. Ephiny arrives outside behind me.

"But
I wouldnt love her."

"I
dont know, maybe she thinks she could make you love her or something,
okay? I dont know, but I promise I will find out. Now, I do believe weve
got a feast to get ready for!" Xena says.

"Ill
place extra guards on, theyll tell us if she shows up." Xena nods.
She grabs my arm and whispers,

"You
dont leave my side."

"Fine
with me." I reply, hugging her. We walk towards our hut, our arms around
each other tightly.

CHAPTER 6:

We
walk into the hut. Xena lights the candles. I shut the door saying,

"At least
the door still shuts, you didnt damage it too much."

"Ill
have a proper look at it tomorrow in the daylight." I suddenly remember
the present I was going to get Xena should I still get it? Yeah, why not
but what will I tell Xena?

"Oh no."
I say.

"What is it?"
Xena asks.

"I left something
back in Melosas hut. Ill just go and get it."

"What is it."

"Just something."

"Alright,
well go and get it together."

"No! No, thats
alright. I can go by myself." I say.

"Gabrielle
I really dont think its a good idea, we dont know where Zilandra
is."

"Ill
be alright Xena, you said yourself that shed probably stay out of sight
for a while. It wont take long anyway."

"Oh alright,
but be careful. Keep to the well lit areas."

"I will."
I leave the hut and walk towards Melosas hut, detouring just before I
get there

"Oh my
What is- dont worry, I dont think I want to know."

"Can I help
you?"

"Ah
yes. I want a um you know "

"Of course.
Will this one be suitable?"

"Yes. It looks
fine." I reply, looking shyly away from the woman.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Thatll
be 3 dinars."

"Fine."
I hand over the money and take my purchase from the shop.

I walk back
to the hut, wondering where Im going to put it so Xena doesnt see
it. I tuck it into my top and try to adjust it so it doesnt look suspicious,
oh well I guess if she asks Ill just tell her its a surprise for
later. The door of the hut is open when I get there, surely Xena wouldnt
leave it open, would she? Maybe I didnt close it properly. I walk into
the room, Xena is laying on the floor, not moving. Is she breathing? I rush
to her side, the present falls from my top and slides under the bed.

"Xena! Xena!
Wake up! What happened?" Tears form in my eyes.

"I happened."
I turn around, Zilandra is standing behind me, with a piece of cloth in her
hand.

"A simple
poison can kill even the mightiest of warriors." She says.

"What did
you do to her?" I ask, tears now running freely down my face.

"Dont
you touch me." I warn her. I look out the corner of my eye for my staff,
theres no way I can get to it before her.

"Come now
my dear, dont be afraid. I would never hurt you. I love you."

"You dont
even know me." I yell.

"I know enough.
Ill tell you what I know about you, and you tell me when Im wrong
Okay, now when I was just a young girl, my parents were killed, and I was all
alone, poor me I had no-one to protect me, so I learnt to protect myself.
Now, I came across a lot of dirty old men, who wanted me for their slaves and
other things, but I found that I didnt really like their kind, not even
when I met a nice boy. You see I had certain needs and wants that I couldnt
get from nice boys or bad boys or any boys at all and I couldnt tell anyone
about them either because, unless youre an Amazon, its not considered
proper. Well I didnt know what to do because I was so young and there
was no one to teach me anything Then one day I heard a story about a brave
young woman, who was only a couple of years older than me. She was very beautiful
and she ran away from her village and her betrothed to be with another woman!
So I vowed there and then that I would find this woman and make her mine."

"Youre
crazy." I say was that Xenas heartbeat I felt?

"Not crazy
my dear, in love. Shall I go on with the story?"

"If you must."
I say yes Im sure Xenas still alive.

"Well, then
one day when Im travelling, I hear a story about the woman youve
run off with a woman by the name of Xena, well they tell me terrible things
about this woman, but then I hear that you dont mind her violent ways,
so I think, well, Ill just learn to be a great warrior, then Ill
defeat this Xena character.. making it look like a horrible accident of course
and then I would console you and you would fall for me and forget all about
your precious Xena."

"I could never
forget Xena. And I could never love you."

"I think you
could, if you only gave me a chance."

"Never."

"Well
see about that." Zilandra comes towards me, I stumble back behind Xenas
body. As Zilandra is about to step over Xena, Xena springs up and knocks Zilandra
over with one punch. She goes down, but springs to her feet again. She comes
at Xena, who does a quick one-two punch combination, then follows it up with
a kick to the stomach. Zilandra flies backwards and hits her head on the door,
knocking her out, She stays still on the ground, eyes closed. Xena looks at
her and says,

"I cant
believe it was that easy. I thought she was a great warrior?"

"Xena! How
did you do it? I thought you were dead, then I thought I felt your heart beat."

"I was just
pretending to be knocked out, I let Zilandra overpower me easily because I knew
shed tell you what she was thinking."

"Oh. Was she
still hiding in here or was she outside?"

"She was outside,
I heard her jump from a nearby tree, so I let her come and get me."

"But why didnt
the poison affect you?"

"She didnt
have the right mixture, it smelt more strong than it was toxic."

"Oh, well
Im just glad youre all right. What should we do with her?"

"Ill
carry her to Melosas and well go from there." Xena bends
down and picks Zilandra up. She throws her over her shoulder and we leave the
hut

"Aphrodite!"
Melosa yells.

"Yes my Queen?"
Aphrodite comes over to the room the Amazons use for holding prisoners,
where Xena, Melosa, Ephiny and I are standing with the unconscious Zilandra.

"Aphrodite,
I want you to stand guard on this prisoner, you will be relieved at some stage
during the night. You are not to talk to the prisoner if she wakes and do not
let her escape. Shes regarded as extremely dangerous."

"Yes my Queen."

"Good."
Melosa says, stumbling a bit as she turns to us.

"Well
leave her there until morning, then Ill decide what to do with her, no
use in ruining a good night of eating, drinking and being merry for one stupid
wannabe warrior." Melosa says. Xena, Ephiny and I smile in agreement.

"Alright!
Onwards to the feast!" Melosa shouts I personally think shes
already had a few celebratory drinks! I put my arm through Xenas and we
follow Melosa and Ephiny to the hall.

CHAPTER
7:

2
hours into the feast

"Yeah, get
it on you two! Get naked!" Melosa shouts from the head of the table.
Eponin and Magdelus just smile shyly and continue kissing each other, their
hands moving all over each others bodies. They are more naked than clothed
and have drunk enough that theyre not too embarrassed about going for
it in front of everyone

About 2 hours
later

"I would like
to make a toast to our wonderful guests Xena: the Warrior Princess and
Gabrielle: the Amazon Princess." A huge roar goes up in the hall, Xena
and I smile and raise our glasses high with everyone else.

"Thats
now the 4th time shes made that toast Xena, I think shes wasted."

"Actually
its the 6th. I think youre wasted, cause you cant even
remember how many toasts weve had!"

"Oh yeah,
well what about you? Try and stand, I bet you cant." I challenge.
Me drunk? Huh, I dont think so! I could drink plenty more than this
and still be fine. Xena stands up, she wobbles around, managing to grab hold
of the table just before she falls.

"Ha, ha, ha,
ha!" I laugh.

"Whos
the drunk one here Xena?" I say, laughing even more.

"Hey my little
bard, youd better be careful, I get mighty horny when I get drunk and
you might be in for a good session of tongue lashing that is you doing
it to me so youd better " Xena stumbles over and goes
crashing down onto her chair. I burst out laughing again and move closer to
her with my chair.

"Id
better what? Take you home right now?" I say seductively.

"Well "
Xena starts. I grab her lips in a passionate kiss oh how Ive
missed this! She puts her hands on my thighs and runs them up and down a couple
of times, before getting daring and pushing them up under my skirt. She stops
kissing me and says,

"I want you
so badly."

"Well then
I guess wed better get back to our room, wouldnt want to let everyone
see my gorgeous body." I reply.

"Im
with you babe." I stand and help Xena up. I catch Ephiny s eye
and mouth "Were off" to her. She nods and gives me two thumbs
up, I smile in return. We get outside into the fresh air, and I mean fresh,
it must be 5 times warmer in the hall compared to out here. Xena and I stumble
along back to our hut.

"You know
Gabrielle, I have to tell you something very serious." Xena stops and
spins me around to face her. She puts her hands on my shoulders and says,

"I want to
fuck you all night long, I dont want to stop or catch my breath or think
about sleep or tired bones or anything, I just want to make love to you."

"Well Xena,
do you want to fuck me or make love to me? Cause theyre not the
same thing, you know?"

"I want to
do both."

"Well then
lets hurry, cause Ive got a surprise for you."

"Really?"

"Yes, and
I hope youll like it." We start walking again and enter the hut,
which is a lot warmer than outside, but not as hot as the hall was. Xena flops
down on the bed and says,

"Come over
here my little bard "

"Just let
me light the candles." I reply. I get both of them started, and when
I look over at Xena, shes completely naked how did she do that without
me hearing her? I walk over and sit on the bed, discarding various pieces of
clothing. Xena helps me untie my boots, I kick them off and turn around until
we are facing each other nose to nose. Xena runs her hand from my neck, down
between my breasts, over my stomach, and back to my neck. Then we start to kiss.
Her tongue fills my mouth, hot and full a sensation I have missed very
much. We continue to touch and kiss for a long time, becoming more and more
turned on by the second. I decide to go for it, so I stop kissing her and say,

"Would you
like your present?"

"Cant
it wait?" Xena asks.

"Oh no, I
think you should have it now."

"Oh all right."
Xena says reluctantly. I bend down and take the bag from under the bed. I
place it in Xenas hands. She opens it up and takes out a strap-on sex
toy. She looks to be in shock and doesnt say anything. Then she, drops
it onto the bed and starts to cry.

"Xena, what
is it? Dont you like it?" I asks as tears well up in my eyes.
Xena wipes a tear from her cheek and says,

"Dont
I satisfy you? Am I not good enough, that you need something else?"

"No, no not
at all its just that while I was at the Academy I heard lots of
stories about what you used to be like when you were a ruthless warlord. I heard
about what you and your lovers did and some of the toys you used "

"But Im
not like that any more!" Xena cries.

I know but
I thought maybe I wasnt satisfying you and that you might want something
more I thought I was doing the right thing." I say, tears now
streaming down my face too.

"Oh honey,
Im sorry." Xena says, she pulls me closer and hugs me Did
she just call me honey? I hug her back as she says,

"Gabrielle,
my warlord days are over I have only used a sex toy a couple of times
and I didnt really enjoy it but if you want to give it a go, then
we can."

"Well, when
I got here, I went straight to Melosas hut. I knocked and then walked
in and Melosa and Ephiny were in bed together!"

"No way!"

"They were,
and guess what else?"

"What?"

"They had
a dildo " I look at Xena with a puzzled look on my face.

"Its
like the thing you got me, but without the straps to hold it in place."

"Oh
youre kidding? They were doing it and they had sex toys?"

"Yep. I was
so embarrassed, I practically ran for the door." I start laughing, so
does Xena. When our laughter subsides I say,

"Maybe this
thing I bought will enhance our sex life even more And we dont have
to use it all the time, just when we feel like it."

"Are you really
comfortable with this?"

"Yeah
I mean Im nervous about doing it, but I feel okay because Im doing
it with you, and I know youll be gentle."

"Of course.
You know you can trust me."

"Alright,
well, you want to use it now?"

"Lets
just see what happens, okay?"

"Okay."
I take the strap-on and place it on the table beside the bed. Xena opens the
covers and climbs into bed, waiting for me to join her before she closes them.
We snuggle in close to each other, our hands exploring each others bodies
as we start to kiss again.

"It is very
good to see you." Xena says between kisses.

"Uh-huh
I was fantasising before about how good your skin would look in the candlelight."

"And how does
it compare?"

"Even better
when I can feel it!"

"Good. Now
lay down on your back, Id like to try something new."

"Being on
my back is new?" I ask.

"No, but thats
where youre going to start. Now do as I say." I lay down and get
comfortable. Xena kisses me on the lips, then marks out a trail of kisses down
my neck and over my breasts.

She says. I
do as she demands wondering what exactly Im in for. She runs her hands
up my legs, over my buttocks and onto my back. She starts to massage my back,
shoulders and neck.

"Thats
so... nice." I say. Xena massages my back for a couple more minutes, before
kissing my back, this sends my body into spasm of pleasure. She takes her kisses
south, moving down to my bottom and thighs. With her right hand she grabs my
bottom, while kissing my thigh. I moan and say,

"Oh Xena,
grab me harder." Xena obeys and lets her left hand caress the inside
of my thighs, with every stroke getting closer to my curls. I try to move my
body closer to her hand, but she stops me.

"No, no, no,
let me do what I want."

"Oh."

"Trust me,
youll love it."

"Okay."
Xena continues to kiss my thigh, she runs her hands over my bottom and back,
then she slowly glides a finger through the cheeks of my bottom. The touch makes
me moan, and sends hot sparks to my groin, stirring up desire and lust.

"You like
that?" Xena asks.

"Uh-huh."
Is all I can get out. She runs her finger up and down a couple more times,
I feel myself getting wet and I push slightly into her finger. Xena notices
my wetness and runs her finger through my folds. She then takes the moisture
and uses it to lubricate my bottom. She goes back and forth between the two
areas a few times, before concentrating exclusively on my bottom. She runs her
finger up and down, as my breathing becomes ragged and I push onto her finger
harder. She is starting to get worked up herself and moves closer to me. I reach
a hand around my body to touch her, but she takes her hand from my bottom and
pushes it away saying,

"No touching
for you."

"Why not?"
I ask.

"Shh
Just enjoy the feel of my finger."

"Okay."
I reply. Xena puts her finger back where it was as my breath catches again.
She slides her finger up and down and then presses it into my tight hole. I
gasp and she takes it out quickly.

"Im
sorry, did I hurt you?" She asks.

"No, not at
all, it was wonderful."

"Again?"

"Yes please."
I reply. She puts her finger back in my hole and slowly moves it in and out.
I move the opposite way to her, and drive her finger in further with each thrust
of my hips. She moans as she goes deeper inside and my breath becomes very fast.

"I want you
to fuck me Xena." I pant.

"How?"
She asks.

"However you
want. Just do it now!" I demand. Xena takes her finger from my hole,
she slides two of her fingers into my other hole and slides her thumb back and
forth over the one shes just exited. I gasp and start to ride her, I know
my orgasm isnt far off and as much as I would like to savour the feel
of it, the more I want her to just bring me to a climax again and again and
again, so I rock hard on her fingers, and each time her fingers go all the way
in, her thumb pops in as well. It only takes a few rockings before I am calling
out her name and coming all over her. She thrusts deep and heightens the sensations.
The orgasm last for ages and when I am finished I am breathless. Xena takes
her fingers out and holds me.

"What can
I do for you?" I ask her.

"Fuck me,
anyway you want."

"Okay."
I say. I turn over and push her down onto the bed, then I lay on top of her
and say,

"You know,
with that toy I would be able to go deeper and fuller inside you."

"Mmm .
I like the sound of that!" Xena says.

"Should I
get it?" I ask.

"Yeah."
I get off Xena. She moves so shes the right way up on the bed and makes
herself comfortable. I pick up the strap-on and put it on. This feels so weird,
but I really want to do it Imagine how far inside her I could get
too bad I cant actually feel her wetness myself If I was a guy,
imagine what Xena would feel like on my dick! Oh Gods, did I really just think
that? Well it is true though, shed feel great, I mean I love how
she feels around my fingers and

"Gabrielle?"
Xena asks, touching my arm.

"Hmm. What?"
I ask startled.

"What are
you daydreaming about?"

"Oh, you know,
the usual - you fucking you to be precise."

"Well dont
just think about it, get over here and do it!" I get back on the bed
and straddle Xena, careful not to touch her with the strap-on. I run my fingers
over her breasts and tweak at the nipples. She gasps and writhes under my hands.
I bend down and lick the nipples, which have become very hard. Xena grabs my
bottom and squeezes me. I move lower so I am resting on her knees and thighs.
I run a finger through her folds, which are wet and glistening. She closes her
eyes, moans and pushes onto my finger. I open her folds and flick my tongue
through them, then I hold her open and thrust two fingers deep inside her. She
arches her back and engulfs the fingers, I bring them in and out a few times,
before removing them altogether. She opens her eyes and looks at me.

"Time for
something else." I say. With one hand I continue to hold her open, and
with the other, I guide the toy into her. She lets out a breath and says,

"Gods Gabrielle,
you feel so good."

"You like
that?" I ask, slowly and carefully sliding in and out of her.

"Oh yes. You
fill me up. But I want you to do me harder."

"Are you sure?
I dont know if I can." I ask.

"Ill
guide you, dont worry." She says. I slide out of her and take
my legs from under my body. I then lay down on top of her, and with her help
I slide back into her.

"Oh Gods,
that feels good." She moans.

"Fuck me Gabrielle."
I thrust in and out of her again, harder than before, she moves under me,
panting and moaning. She digs her nails into my back and pulls my bottom towards
her. We move together and a few moments later Xena calls out my name.

"Oh Gabrielle,
oh Gods. Oh oh oh " She pulls me deeper into her as
the last of her orgasm passes. She opens her legs wider and I take the strap-on
out of her.

"So, how was
it?" I ask.

"Very, very
good. Well have to try it on you sometime."

"I look forward
to it. I reply. I take the strap-on off and place it beside the bed,
then I snuggle up in Xenas arms and fall asleep.

CHAPTER
8:

"Oh my head
its pounding." I complain, packing the last of my belongings up.

"Mine too.
How much do you think we had to drink last night?"

"I dont
know, but Id hate to be on cleanup this morning!"

"Ill
second that hey have you seen my chakram?" I look around and point
to a hook in the wall.

"Right where
you left it."

"Oh, thats
right." She takes the chakram and puts it on her belt.

"Well, I think
were ready to go." I say.

"Yeah, I wanna
stick around to hear Zilandras fate though, is that alright with you?"

"Yes. I havent
got anywhere to be "

"And well
be talking about that later." Xena warns.

"I know."
I reply innocently. We leave the hut and see Melosa walking towards us.

"Morning you
two, how did you sleep?"

"Very well,
and you?"

"Havent
yet. But Ill catch up later. Im just about to go and see Zilandra,
would you like to join me."

"Yes. I feel
responsible for bringing a bad egg like that into your village, I just had no
idea." Xena says.

"Its
alright."

"No, I mean
if I hadve picked up on anything I wouldve tried to sort her out
myself."

"But you mightve
brought her closer to Gabrielle sooner, and you wouldnt have been there
to save her."

"Thats
true I suppose."

"Anyway, whats
happened has happened, time to deal with her." The three of us walk
to where Zilandra is being held. She is now awake and looks angry.

"Oh good,
youre a morning person! Well, lets just get on with this then shall
we? Aphrodite, Ephiny, take the prisoner outside." They take an arm
each and escort Zilandra out to the sparring square.

"By order
of myself, Melosa, Queen of the Amazons I hereby ban you from our tribe and
our territory. You are never to set foot on Amazon land again, if you do you
will be killed. Is that understood?" Zilandra just continues to scowl.

"You will
now be escorted from our land by Ephiny and Aphrodite, and I wouldnt try
anything stupid as there will be many groups of foot patrols watching you
Take her away." Melosa says. Ephiny and Aphrodite start to walk Zilandra
away. She struggles against them, breaks free and turns back to the rest of
us.

"I slept with
Eponin and Magdelus at the same time I would tell you to punish
them, but they werent all that good "

"I am aware
of your trickery towards them and they have been dealt with accordingly, it
is none of your concern now." Melosa waves her off and Ephiny and Aphrodite
grab onto her again. Melosa says,

"Well, thats
all taken care of, are you two leaving as well or staying?"

"Were
going to move on as well, well keep an eye on her, make sure she stays
away."

"Thatd
be great. Well, its been good to see you, even though your stay was short."

"Well
be back soon. Promise." I say. Melosa and I hug, then Xena and Melosa
shake hands,

"Dont
send us anymore special cases Xena, I think everyones had enough for now!"

"Oh dont
worry, I wont." Melosa nods and goes back to her hut. Ephiny,
Aphrodite and Zilandra are almost out of the village grounds when Zilandra yells
back over her shoulder,

"You will
be mine Gabrielle! And if I cant have you by being like Xena, then Ill
be the complete opposite. One day!" I shiver and move closer to Xena.
She puts an arm around me and says,

"Come on you,
weve got a lot to talk about."

"Im
not going back Xena."

"I know and
I wont make you. Ive gotta figure out how Im going to punish
you for disobeying me when I told you to stay at the Academy."

"Does it involve
spanking!?" I asks mischievously.

"As a matter
of fact, it just might."

"I think Im
gonna like this punishment!"

Zilandra is
by herself, stalking across the open fields away from Amazon territory, she
is still fuming and she mutters,

"Ill
change my hair colour, I might even see a healer about that new injection goat
thing or whatever it is yeah, Ill change what I look like "
Zilandra stops walking and turns back to look at the forest which surrounds
the Amazon village. She raises her hand to block the sun from her eyes and says,

"And the names
Najara, not Zilandra and we will meet again Gabrielle. One day you will
be mine."

THE
END

Thanks for taking
the journey through these 5 stories with Xena, Gabrielle, Argo, Ripley and myself...
I hope youíve enjoyed them. I will be working on some new stories very soon
so I hope youíll swing by and catch up with the four of us again. - Heartstarter.